Duke University, Sanford School of Public Policy - NRR

Position ID:Duke-SSPP-NRR-POSTDOC1 [#27030]
Position Title: Postdoctoral Associate
Position Type:Postdoctoral
Position Location:Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States [map] sort by distance
Subject Area: Public Policy
Appl Deadline:2024/03/08 11:59PMhelp popup (posted 2024/01/18, listed until 2024/03/08)
Position Description:    

*** the listing date or deadline for this position has passed and new applications are no longer accepted. ***

Duke University
Sanford School of Public Policy
Postdoctoral Associate (up to two-year appointment)
Two Positions Available

Job Summary: 
Professor Lisa Gennetian, Duke Sanford, is seeking a postdoctoral research scholar in economics, public policy or a related discipline, to conduct analyses of policies and programs that target poverty, inequality, and economic disadvantage, particularly among young children. The postdoc will work closely with faculty and staff on two strains of research. The first is the Baby’s First Years study, a randomized control trial investigating the impacts of an unconditional cash transfer program on child development, subjective well-being, and economic behavior. The second line of work involves research for the Center for Research on Hispanic Families, investigating relationships between policy design and program participation among Latino families and children facing poverty and economic scarcity.


Strong candidates will have experience working with raw survey data, as well as data from large national datasets (ACS, CPS, SIPP, etc.), conducting analyses (e.g., summary statistics, regression analysis, specification testing, control methods, displaying results), and preparing documentation and summarizing analyses. Experience cleaning and analyzing data in Stata (preferred), R, or Python is required. Knowledge of U.S. policies that distribute cash or in-kind benefits is a plus. 

Responsibilities: 
  • Direct and plan analysis efforts 
  • Develop conceptual and analysis plan for an agreed upon focus area
  • Carrying out data preparation and analysis efforts with input from PIs and senior researchers 
  • Participate in weekly team and data meetings providing updates on progress and raising questions for PIs 
  • Develop background research, literature reviews, analytic frameworks, and findings for paper drafts 
  • Contribute to proposal drafts and submissions, with co- and principal investigator opportunities 
  • Opportunities for lead authorship 
  • Child assessment data monitoring and quality control 

Qualifications: 
  • Experience producing research in economics, public policy, child development or related field 
  • Ability to take ownership of projects and work within a team
  • Excellent English written and oral communication skills; high level of attention to detail. Spanish proficiency is a plus 
  • Confident and proficient coder using STATA, R, or Python 
  • Familiarity with advanced statistical techniques and methods including causal models, regression analysis, difference-in-difference, etc. 
  • Participate in weekly team and data meetings 
Each application will be evaluated on the following criteria:
  • The degree of fit of research interests 
  • How the postdoctoral training will help to further the postdoctoral scholar’s research trajectory
  • Demonstrated record of work with quantitative data 
  • Demonstrated quality of writing 
The review of applicants will begin immediately. Only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted. Salary is commensurate with experience. 


Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.


Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info:
https://sanford.duke.edu/
email address
919-613-9341
 
Duke University
Sanford School of Public Policy
201 Science Drive
Durham, NC 27708